BY NATALIE HEAVREN, SPORTS EDITOR

Mason improved to 5-0 on the season Tuesday night after a 65-61 win over Loyola (Md.). 

Here are three takeaways from the game:

Rebounding pays off 

Mason finished the game with 51 rebounds, their highest total since Jan. 20, 2018, against Duquesne. 

The Patriots also out-rebounded the Greyhounds 51-32, their best rebounding margin since Jan. 6 against St. Bonaventure. 

Head coach Dave Paulsen described the game as their most complete game on the glass, and this rebounding success came despite just six points in the paint. 

Javon Greene found success despite poor shooting night 

Greene was just 2-9 from the floor Tuesday night but was a key contributor for the Patriots. He had a double-double with 10 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Greene also had three assists and one steal and took a charge. 

It’s important for all players, not just Greene, to contribute even when they are not shooting well. Their contributions in setting screens or on the defensive end can be the turning point for the team. 

Best start in program history

For the first time in Mason men’s basketball program history, the team is 5-0. 

Paulsen talked about this after the game, saying, “We told our guys about it because I think it’s something to be proud of. There’s been a lot of basketball players at George Mason, a lot of really, really good teams. You know, we’re far from where we want to be, where we need to be, but we took care of business when we should. We said take pride in being 5-0 but, you know, our big mantra is to go 1-0.”

Mason returns home Dec. 3 when they take on Jacksonville State at 7 p.m.